Elbow/Forearm

Characterized by pain in the back side of the elbow and forearm. Tennis elbow is inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. The forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse. This leads to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. Not surprisingly, playing tennis or other racquet sports can cause this condition, but several other sports and activities requiring repetitive and vigorous use of the forearm muscles can also put you at risk.

Characterized by pain from the elbow to the wrist on the palm side of the forearm. The pain is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist toward the palm. Medial epicondylitis is caused by the excessive force used to bend the wrist toward the palm, such as swinging a golf club or pitching a baseball. Other possible causes include carrying a heavy suitcase or frequent use of hand tools on a continuous basis.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) occurs when the nerves and vascular structures from the neck are compressed as they run through the shoulder into the upper arm. Many times, there may also be compression in the spine or further down the shoulder, elbow, arm or hand. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, weakness, pain or blanching of any of the fingers.

The thoracic outlet is the space between your clavicle (collarbone) and your first rib. If the shoulder muscles in your chest are not strong enough to hold the clavicle in place, it can slip down and forward, putting pressure on the nerves and blood vessels that lie under it. Additionally, if certain muscles in the neck or chest are tight they can also compress the nerves going down the arm. TOS can result from injury, disease, or a congenital problem, such as an abnormal first rib. Poor posture can aggravate the condition.